Viticulturist

Position Summary: Viticulturist for the Boisset Collection will work in conjunction with the Vineyard Manager to oversee management of sustainable, organic and Biodynamic® certified and estate vineyards.

Essential Functions:

Operational Leadership and Team Engagement

• Serve as vineyard liaison with Winemaking and Senior Management teams.
• Monitor vine health in estate vineyards.
• Work with PCA and winemaking to develop and implement pest management, fertility and irrigation plans.
• Track phenological development
• Trap and monitor insect pest populations.
• Gather and process maturity samples.
• Collect data and manage viticultural database software.
• Sample plant tissue, soil and irrigation water, etc. with required frequency.
• Generate pesticide, fertilizer and irrigation work-orders.
• Report pesticide use to Ag Commissioner's Offices.
• Participate in on-going safety training with Vineyard Team and maintain safety training records.
• Audit quality and efficiency of farm labor contractors.
• Collect data for use in crop estimation; bud analysis, shoot counts, cluster counts, cluster weights.
• Develop yield targets, and track and communicate crop estimates.
• Schedule harvesting and trucking.
• Create reports for use by Senior Management and/or Winemaking Team as needed.
• Uphold Fish Friendly, Napa Green, CSWGA sustainable, CCOF organic and Biodynamic® certification standards and assist in audits.
• Team with vineyard manager to make vineyard improvements.
• Assist in redevelopment, etc.
• Monitor equipment, oversee maintenance schedule and compile service records/replacements as applicable.
• Take-on various projects as needed to support Vineyard Manager, Grower Representative and Winemaking Team(s).
• Represent company by supporting industry organizations, attending industry events.

Additional Functions:

• Comply with all company safety policies, practices, and procedures. Participate in safety training and report all unsafe conditions or work practices.
• Participate in team efforts and perform additional duties as needed.

Necessary Skills:

• Language: Bilingual: English and Spanish.
• Technology: Experience with or ability to learn and use: Ag Code, Cal Ag Permits, Fruition Sciences, Ranch-Systems and Tule software.
• Communication: Ability to read and interpret documents such as memos, instructions, policies, and manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information effectively to groups of customers and/or employees and participate in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Math: Ability to calculate items such as discounts, commissions, simple interest, percentages, areas, circumference, and volume. Ability to understand fractions, ratios, and proportions. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Logic: Ability to apply common sense understanding to multiple tasks, analyze and solve practical problems, prioritize, and delegate tasks and projects, work both independently and as part of a team, and adapt to frequent changes in the work environment.
• Computer: Possess intermediate computer skills which can include e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheet, basic database activity

Education, Experience, Certificates, Licenses:

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from in Viticulture & Enology or a related field from a 4-year college or university required.
• Organic and/or Biodvnamic® farming experience and a desire to utilize such techniques.
• Pest Control License (desired)
• Current, valid Driver’s License, insurable driving record, and proof of current automobile insurance required.

Physical Requirements:

• Heavy physical activity performing occasional somewhat strenuous activities including standing, walking, climbing, reaching, and carrying. Manual dexterity is sufficient to reach, handles items, and work with the fingers. Requires lifting and moving objects up to 75 lbs. in weight. Clear vision (close and distant) and ability to adjust focus. Hearing adequate for telephone, office, and group conversation.

Work Environment:

• Both indoor and outdoor work environments:
• Office work in a well-lighted, heated, and/or air-conditioned indoor setting with adequate ventilation. Short-periods are required in an un-heated indoor setting (wine cellar) with changing conditions. Noise levels typical of shared office space: public conversations, telephones/cell phones, remote video meetings.
• Outdoors exposed to changing weather conditions, such as cold, fog, rain, heat, dust, wind, sun, etc. Periodic work in shop environment with fumes, lubricants and/or fuels. Moderate to high noise levels typical of farm equipment and tools. Exposure to agricultural chemicals and materials. (Note: PPE provided for all workers. Shaded rest areas, water, portable toilets, and all other required accommodations provided.)

Schedule and Travel Requirements:

• Variable schedule: primarily a set schedule that will require weekends and evenings/nights.
• Commuting across the Bay Area especially across Napa and Sonoma counties is essential.

Boisset Collection is an equal-opportunity employer.

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